Shropshire Star

PDC Grand Slam: A beginners guide to darts

Let's play darts - with a few pointers on what to expect if you are watching the PDC Grand Slam at Wolverhampton Civic Hall from a standing start.

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Not everybody who pours through the doors of the eight-day tournament at the Civic will be an expert on the sport, writes Craig Birch.

Some argue it isn't even a sport, due to the drinking culture that surrounds it. Most players like a drink or two, but none can consume alcohol on stage. Without doubt, it's a pub game.

In its first 1980s heyday, the likes of Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson would emerge from a crowd of smoke having just swigged from a pint of beer or glass of spirits to throw their arrows.

Those days are over. The smoking ban has banished all and sundry outside for a cigarette and only water is permitted on stage when a match is in progress.

For those having a go for the first time at the local, remember the pro format is always counting back from 501, your score with three attempts at each visit eating away at the score.

'The middle bit' below each number is a treble, so multiply that by three if that's where you land. 'The top bit' is a double, which not only makes it a duo of said number but can settle matters.

No single score can finish a game, it must be a double or the bullseye (50) - not the odd number outer bull (25) - to end proceedings. For instance, if you have 16 left, you require double eight.

You cannot win without the double or bull and, should you score more than what's left on your tally, you're bust and remain on your last score.

Darts that strike the metal case around the target of the double when you're throwing 'hit the wire' and 'bounce out.'

There are numerous ways to reach zero from 501, with nine darts the fewest possible to achieve this. Again, there are many methods. Two 180s, one treble 20 and 19 and double 12 is common.

'Tops' is double 20 and double one is the 'mad house,' which could drive you insane for hours. For flamboyance, a Shanghai finish is of 20s of single, double and treble with 120 left in one visit.

Erasing 170 is the highest out-shot in one go, taking out two treble 20s and the bull. The 301 format is never used in pro darts.

The standard height of the board from the floor to the bullseye is 5ft 8in while the 'oche' - the distance from the board to the toeline - is 7ft 9.25in.

One game is a 'leg,' with all singles darts tournaments operation on a 'first to' format. At the start of the Grand Slam, for instance, it's best-of-nine in the group stages, so first-to-five.

There was only one darts organisation until 1993, the BDO. It still exists, but lost pace when 'the darts split' lead to the creation of what is now the PDC.

This is the only PDC tournament to formally invite players from the BDO and it's in its 10th edition, starting in 2007.

One player from the BDO will feature in all of the eight four-man groups, who will play each other once to produce a top two that enter the last 16 first knockout phase.

All 32 will have taken part in their first game by the end of the first day, split over a Saturday afternoon and evening session of nine matches each. There can be no draw.

The two losers in each group will play each other in match two, as will the two winners. All this will take place on Sunday, again over two schedules.

Groups A, D, E and H return to meet whoever they haven't already took on among the quartet on Monday night, while B, C, F and G are back on Tuesday evening.

Four second round ties will take place on Wednesday and Thursday night respectively, with play upgraded to best-of-19 legs.

Friday evening's two quarter-finals are first-to-16, which remains the format for the rest of the event. Two more follow on Saturday, from 8pm.

Two sessions on Sunday complete the tournament, with the two semi-finals from 1pm. The decider begins just after 7pm.

For spectators, you'll find the Civic on North Street, in the city centre just past the council offices and the old 'Little Civic'. Entry is at the front of the building.

You'll be ushered into the main hall, be it downstairs or upstairs on the balcony. The players' practice room and lounge is downstairs in the Wulfrun Hall.

Those sitting downstairs are on long tables, with free 180 signs to lift high when a maximum comes along which you can write your own message on for the viewers at home.

If you want to profess your undying love to nearest and dearest or boast to your boss you're pulling a sicky the next day - the latter probably not advisable - here's your chance.

You never know when the eyes of the world will be on you, as every game is televised live on Sky Sports. Crane type cameras capture footage of the audience.

Expect fancy dress in abundance. Be it the bull from Bullseye, Where's Wally, Darth Vader and or even traffic cones, you're going to see it.

'If you can't beat them, join them' might be your best mantra. Make sure it's comfortable, though. The man sweating buckets in a full leather Batman suit must have regretted it.

Also be prepared for noise. When the Civic is rocking, football stadiums are quieter. And 'stand up if you love the darts,' because you won't see a thing if you remain seated during that song.

Darters will emerge 'down the aisle' for their 'walk on,' with a 'walk on girl' to add glamour, to their signature theme tune. Phil Taylor, for instance, has 'the Power.'

They take to the stage and launch a few to prepare until the game begins. Who throws first will have been decided in the practice room, with one dart nearest to the bull winning the throw.

The player who throws first should get down to a double before his opponent and if he wins the leg, he 'holds his throw.' Should the other prevail, it's a 'break of throw.'

Averages are worked out by dividing 501 by the amount of darts used in a leg and then multiplying the score by three.

Thankfully for most of us, you don't have to work this out in your head. 'Spotters' - usually former professionals - work out the best way to finish while the computer keeps track of the score.

Those are all displayed - along with a close up view of the game - on a massive screen of the Sky Sports coverage next to the stage, which most follow the action from.

Bear in mind, even if you're on the front row, only the eagle-eyed or someone with a telescope can see everything clearly. Even then, you'll struggle to catch a double in 170mm of space land.

Perhaps the best information of all is to drink responsibly. Singha Beer are sponsoring the event and, in excess, their hangovers are the work of the devil.

Few drink at the darts to stay sober, but those who take it too far do so at their peril. The door staff and the PDC want you to enjoy yourself, but they won't stand for any trouble.

The only thing left to advise is to have a great time. One night at the arrows has turned many a person into a fan and you could be next.

Tickets for the Grand Slam are still on sale, by calling the Civic Box Office on 0870 320 7000 or online via www.theticketfactory.com/pdc.

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